Which line is a direct quotation from an external source?
a. the japanologist donald keene, from columbia university, sees the wave as a metaphor for the changes in japanese society . ."
b. "the japanese have a word for insular which is literally the mental state of the people living on islands: shimaguni konjo."
c. "the great wave, like the other images in the series, was printed in at least 5,000 impressions, possibly as many as 8,000 . ."
d. "this was cheap, popular art; but when printed in such quantities, to exquisite technical standards, it could be highly profitable."

B. "The Japanese have a word for insular which is literally the mental state of the people living on islands: shimaguni konjo."

Explanation: Direct quotations are the exact words of an author or speaker used in a written work. Direct quotations are also used to provide examples that strengthen a thought or idea.

The line that is a direct quotation from an external source is “The Japanese have a word for insular which is literally the mental state of the people living on islands:shimaguni konjo.”

Explanation:

The line “The Japanese have a word for insular which is literally the mental state of the people living on islands:shimaguni konjo.” quotes how a social grupo uses a word and this is an external source since it is not the writer direct information or point of view, it is Neil MacGregor who is quoting a phrase from Donald Keene that he got through the interaction with others.

wrong! the answer is c.